Nikon’s First Ruggedized Compact With GPS, Maps

The rugged AW100 welcomes your abuse, master

Today is shaping up to be a big day for new camera announcements. First we had the new P7100 from Nikon, and next up will be some news from Sony. Now, though, we look at Nikon’s first ruggedized point-and-shoot, the Coolpix AW100.

As you’d expect of a rugged camera, it can be used underwater (to 33 feet), survive drops from five feet and keep working down to a chilly 14˚F (-10˚C). It also comes in a hard-to-lose orange (as well as black and boring blue), and weighs in at just 6.3 ounces (179 grams).

But that’s just the entry fee to this game, and Nikon ups the ante with some very smart outdoorsy extras. First is GPS, which not only geotags your images but tracks you as you trek. There’s also a digital compass which can be displayed on the rear screen, and built-in maps.

Also very clever is the shaky-cam feature (a name I just made up). You can assign one of several functions to be switched when you shake the camera, letting you keep your gloves on.

As to the camera functions, the sensor is 16MP, the LCD three inches, the top ISO is 3200, the 5x zoom goes from 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) and the movies are 1080p (with a slo-mo option up to 240fps).

In short, it has pretty much everything you need, and is tough enough to come with you. The AW100 will cost $380 when it goes on sale in September.

Nikon Coolpix AW100 product page [Nikon. thanks, Geoff!]

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Nikon announces Coolpix P7100, ruggedized AW100 and four S-series point-and-shoots

Camera manufacturers seem to have forgone the straw method for deciding which order to push out their press releases this time around, opting for old-fashioned alphabetical order instead. Yesterday Canon announced a trio of new PowerShots, and now Nikon is doubling down with six new cams, to be followed very soon by … another company later this morning. First off the assembly line is the $500 Coolpix P7100, with its 10.1 megapixel CCD sensor, 7.1x zoom lens, 921k-dot tilting LCD, and manual controls. Photogs looking to jump in the pool, point-and-shoot in tow will probably be more interested in the $380 AW100, which includes a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor, 5x lens, 1080p video capture, built-in GPS, and water resistance to 33 feet. Next up is the $430 S1200pj (pj, for projector). We’ve never actually seen anyone using the built-in projector in Nikon’s digicams, but it’s a fun gimmick nonetheless. This model adds iOS compatibility, letting you project 60-inch iPad videos at a whopping 20 lumens. It also has a 14.1 megapixel sensor, 5x zoom, 720p video, and a 3-inch LCD.

If style is your game, the $300 S100’s sleek design won’t go unnoticed, regardless of whether you opt for red, black, purple and gold (oh, definitely go with the gold). There’s also a 16 megapixel sensor, 5x zoom, 1080p video, and 3D capture. If a superzoom is in the cards, the $330 S8200 is worth a look, with its 14x Nikkor lens, 16.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, 1080p video, and 3-inch 921k-dot LCD. Its thinner sibling, the S6200 is also less expensive, retailing for $230. You’ll need to settle for a 10x optical zoom, 16 megapixel sensor, 720p video, and a 2.7-inch LCD, however. All six digicams are slated to ship in September. Jump past the break for a trio of Nikon press releases, detailing each model.

Continue reading Nikon announces Coolpix P7100, ruggedized AW100 and four S-series point-and-shoots

Nikon announces Coolpix P7100, ruggedized AW100 and four S-series point-and-shoots originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gemini-Scout robot can scope out mining accidents, may save lives (video)

We’ve seen robots capable of entering hazardous nuclear plants and dangerous buildings, but engineers at Sandia Labs have now unveiled a new rescue bot that’s explicitly designed to enter and investigate collapsed mines, as well. Measuring just two feet tall and less than four feet in length, the Gemini-Scout Mine Rescue Robot packs a set of gas sensors, a thermal camera and a two-way radio, allowing it to detect dangerous underground materials and relay critical information to above-ground rescue workers. Its can also navigate across rocky terrain, tight quarters, or flooded tunnels, and is sturdy enough to carry food and other supplies to trapped miners. Operators, meanwhile, can manipulate the Gemini-Scout using only an Xbox 360 controller, which was incorporated into the system on the strength of its intuitive design and UI. Sandia’s engineers demoed their bot last week in DC and are hoping to begin licensing it to rescue agencies by the end of next year. Crawl past the break for a video of their creation, along with a full press release.

Continue reading Gemini-Scout robot can scope out mining accidents, may save lives (video)

Gemini-Scout robot can scope out mining accidents, may save lives (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:29:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eco Pod waterproof case keeps your device dry while you’re riding dolphins

When we’re out on the water, we’re constantly longing to take our phones and mp3 players for a swim with us… aren’t you? Now we can enjoy a little “I’m on a Boat” when we’re actually on a boat — thanks to Grace Digital Audio’s Eco Pod — without worrying about our handheld’s survival. The company announced today that its latest sand, shock and waterproof enclosure is now available — and it even comes with a set of waterproof earbuds. While the added protection will set you back $50, the ability to bump Katy Perry while exploring a coral reef is, indeed, priceless. Scope out the full PR after the break for all the specifics, and get your white water rafting playlists ready.

Continue reading Eco Pod waterproof case keeps your device dry while you’re riding dolphins

Eco Pod waterproof case keeps your device dry while you’re riding dolphins originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 05:13:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pioneer’s SE-CL331 earbuds are just begging to be washed

The first-ever earbuds designed to be drenched they aren’t, but they just might be one of the first to actually be “washable.” Sure enough, Pioneer’s new SE-CL331 headphones ($59.99) — available in white, pink and bright blue hues — can reportedly be “soaked and washed after every sports session without damaging sensitive electronic equipment.” Furthermore, they boast a newfangled ear holder that keeps ’em in place while your body’s in motion, and there’s a two-layer mesh and rubber ring that’ll prevent water from seeping in while submerged up to one meter of goop. The built-in 9mm drivers probably won’t live up to Westone standards, but then again, you can’t exactly take your ES5s into the kiddie pool.

Pioneer’s SE-CL331 earbuds are just begging to be washed originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 06:49:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Electronista  |  sourceAmazon, Pioneer, Audiocubes  | Email this | Comments

Waterproof Headphones Fear No Puny Washing Machine

Pioneer’s waterproof headphones can survive a trip through the washing machine

Running your iPod through a washing machine cycle might not be fatal, but it’s certainly not a good idea. On the other hand, sometimes I wish I could wash the earbuds I use with it, especially after they get to be a few months old and end up caked with wax and fluff.

So I’m very interested in Pioneer’s Washable Inner-Ear Sports Earphones, which are rated as waterproof to one meter. You might not want to swim with them (your MP3 player is still not waterproof, remember?) but you can throw them into the washing machine or just rinse them out in the shower after a workout. Better still, you can sweat as much as you like while wearing them. I’m sure I have killed at least one set of ‘buds with excessive perspiration.

Pioneer’s earbuds are available now, for $60, and come in a bewilderment of hideously bright colors.

Washable Inner-Ear Sports Earphones [Audiocubes]

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Panasonic’s new suite of colorful camcorders hits stores this July, gets priced right now

Panasonic's new suite of colorful camcorders hits stores this July, gets priced right now

When Panasonic introduced us to its Skittles-like array of candy-coated camcorders, they gave us a taste of the little things, but left us hanging on price and availability. Well, if you’ve been slobbering over the specs since February, you can sate your appetite soon, because the HM-TA20, HM-TA2, HX-WA10, HX-DC10, and HX-DC1 will hit stores starting in early July. The Flip-style, 1080p HM-TA20 rings in at $200, while its less rugged little brother, the HM-TA2, will run you $170. The upright and rugged HX-WA10 will do 1080p video and 16-megapixel stills for $350, and you’ll drop $280 on the HX-DC10 for the same functionality without the weather-proofing. For the same look at an even lower price, you can shoot 14-megapixel stills on the HX-DC1 for $200. Hungry for more? Full PR awaits you after the break.

Continue reading Panasonic’s new suite of colorful camcorders hits stores this July, gets priced right now

Panasonic’s new suite of colorful camcorders hits stores this July, gets priced right now originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 11 Jun 2011 01:34:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  sourcePanasonic  | Email this | Comments

Ricoh unveils waterproof, dirt-resistant PX camera for outdoorsy photographers

Just a few months after releasing its outdoorsy, G700 point and shoot, Ricoh has taken the wraps off yet another rugged digital camera — the waterproof, shockproof and dust-resistant PX. This small warrior packs a 16-megapixel CCD sensor along with a 5x optical wide zoom lens and is capable of booting up in just 1.4 seconds. The device also supports subject-tracking and face-priority auto-focus features, in addition to a host of shooting modes, including toy camera, soft-focus and high-contrast black and white, among others. Most alluring, however, is its resilience. According to Ricoh, the PX can survive drops from an altitude of up to five feet, remains waterproof at depths of about ten feet, and is impermeable to dust, sand and dirt. There’s also a 2.7-inch, scratch-resistant LCD on its backside, meaning you won’t have to worry about casually tossing it in your backpack as you make your way along the trail. More flamboyant hikers, meanwhile, can add their own personal touch to the PX by wrapping it in a protective silicon sleeve, available in five, vibrant colors. If you’re interested, you can grab a PX of your own when it hits stores later this month, for $300 AUD (about $317). You can check out some sample images from Digital Photography Review by hitting the link below, or flip through some pics of the PX in the gallery below. There’s also a full PR waiting for you, after the break.

Gallery: ricoh px

Continue reading Ricoh unveils waterproof, dirt-resistant PX camera for outdoorsy photographers

Ricoh unveils waterproof, dirt-resistant PX camera for outdoorsy photographers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Underwater Camera Is Cheap Enough to Drown

One of the quickest ways to add some impact to your photos is to change your perspective. If you’re tall, crouch or sit on the floor. If you’re short, climb up high. Even better, get in the water.

Photojojo has a new waterproof camera and it costs just $35. That’s the cost of a couple rolls of film and processing, and will transform shots you take at the beach, Hell, if you’re smart, you probably don’t take your camera near the beach anyway, so this will be all-new to you.

The quality is as low as you’d expect: 1.3 megapixels, a dinky little 1.4-inch LCD, a fixed ƒ3.1 lens, a 4X digital zoom, an 30fps video of an unspecified size. On the other hand, it has a 10-second self timer, shoots as close as two feet and runs on a pair of AAAs. And looking at the sample shots, the images are way better than the crap that comes out of the iPad 2.

And of course, it is waterproof.

The “Underwater Digi Cam”, as it is called, is cheap enough and decent enough to be a lot of fun on the beach, or even as a general outdoor camera to take where you wouldn’t dare take an SLR. It doesn’t hurt that it looks cute, too. Available now.

Underwater Digi Cam [Photojojo]

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Panasonic resurrects Sanyo’s pistol-grip camcorders, trots out three new models

Worried that Panasonic would kill off Sanyo’s signature pistol-grip camcorders after it bought its rival last year? Fear not — Panny just went and resurrected Sanyo’s ergonomic design with three new models – slapping its own brand on ’em, of course. And, in a move that would do Sanyo proud, Panasonic brought back the DMX-CA100 / VPC-CA100, a 1080p camcorder Sanyo released last year under the same name. It’s gotten a spec boost, though, with the ability to snap 16 megapixel still photos, up from 14.4. The other two — the HX-DC15 and the HX-DC1 — both shoot 1080p video as well, with the DC15 offering 16GB internal memory and a 16 megapixel sensor, and the DC1 able to take 14.4 megapixel stills. No word on availability outside Japan, but we’re sure those of you with a penchant for flip-out displays and candy-colored plastic will find a way to snag one.

Panasonic resurrects Sanyo’s pistol-grip camcorders, trots out three new models originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 May 2011 14:43:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink Akihabara News  |  sourcePanasonic (1), (2), (3)  | Email this | Comments